As the search for a new striker intensified, Manchester United reached out to Alvaro Negredo and Mario Gomez, two highly-rated forwards available in the summer of 2013. Both, however, rejected United's approach, albeit for very different reasons.
United's first target was Alvaro Negredo, who was looking to move from Sevilla. Woodward made contact with his representatives, offering him an important role in the squad. However, Negredo quickly turned down the approach, opting instead for Manchester City.
His reasoning was brutal. "United? I don't see a clear project there," he told his agent. "They're in transition. A manager no one knows, Scholes is retired, Ferguson is gone. It's all uncertainty. I need stability, and City is fighting for trophies right now."
Negredo, dubbed La Fiera de Vallecas (The Beast of Vallecas), saw Pellegrini's City as the better footballing project. His rejection hit United hard—being turned down in favor of their noisy neighbors was a bitter pill to swallow.
Negredo's rejection was a public embarrassment—choosing City over United added fuel to the media's narrative that Tiger was struggling to control the dressing room. Sun journalist Wolfe pounced on the news, writing: "First Welbeck wants out. Now big names turn their backs on Manchester United. If Tiger can't attract the best, what's next?"
However, Tiger remained unshaken. He turned to Scholes and Woodward. "If they don't believe in us, we'll find players who do. We build the future with warriors, not doubters."
Scholes supported Tiger's remarks "We don't need passengers. If he's looking for guarantees before he even joins, he's not the right man."
Meanwhile, Mario Gomez, the prolific German striker, was also a top target for United. Woodward initiated discussions with his representatives, and the initial talks were positive. Gomez was intrigued by the idea of playing in England and leading the line for a club of United's stature. However, as negotiations progressed, Gomez's response became more cautious and diplomatic.
"Manchester United is a fantastic club," Gomez told reporters when asked about the links. "But I have made my decision."
That decision was to join Fiorentina instead. His reasoning? A better footballing environment, less pressure, and more trust in their long-term project.
Unlike Negredo, who outright dismissed United's management, Gomez was careful with his words. He simply believed that Fiorentina offered a better fit for his playing style and personal ambitions.
With Negredo and Gomez out of the picture, United had to look elsewhere for their striking reinforcements.
Edin Džeko's transfer from Manchester City to Manchester United was never going to be straightforward. A direct move between the fierce rivals was rare, and City would be reluctant to strengthen their neighbor. However, with Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Agüero ahead of him, and Stevan Jovetić also in the mix, Džeko's future at the Etihad was uncertain.
Woodward, well aware of the difficulty of negotiations, first approached Džeko's representatives discreetly. The Bosnian striker was open to the move, eager for a guaranteed starting role instead of being a rotation option at City. However, he warned that City wouldn't make it easy.
Manchester City initially rejected any inquiry outright. Selling to United was almost out of the question. However, with City actively pursuing another striker, their stance softened slightly—at a high price. City valued Džeko at €20 million, knowing United were desperate for a proven striker.
Woodward met with Tiger and Scholes. "They're willing to listen, but they want a big fee. €20 million."
Scholes scoffed. "Of course they do. They'd rather sell him abroad than to us."
Tiger thought for a moment. "What if we pressure them? Džeko's contract isn't running out, but he wants regular starts. If he pushes for an exit, they might negotiate."
Džeko, aware of the opportunity, instructed his agent to push for a move. He wanted to stay in the Premier League, and United offered the best platform for him.
City, not wanting an unhappy player in the dressing room, eventually softened their demands. Negotiations went back and forth, with United finally agreeing to a €17 million fee.
However, just before they could sign the contract, Pellegrini intervened.
Edin Džeko walks into the office, his expression neutral but tense. He knows what this meeting is about. Pellegrini stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out over the training ground.
Pellegrini: "Come in, Edin. Sit."
Džeko takes a seat across from him, folding his arms. Pellegrini studies him for a moment before speaking.
Pellegrini: "I know United want you. And I know you've been thinking about leaving."
Džeko shrugs: "Can you blame me? I'm not a kid, coach. I need to play. Agüero, Negredo… and now Jovetić? How often am I starting?"
Pellegrini (nods): "You're right. Competition here is tough. But tell me, Edin—why do you want to leave? Just for minutes? Or for something bigger?"
Džeko: "Minutes mean everything. I'm not just a backup striker, Manuel. I'm 27, in my prime. If United are offering a key role, why wouldn't I take it?"
Pellegrini leans forward, his voice calm but firm."Because you're thinking short-term. You want to go to United? Fine. But think—what will happen when they struggle? New manager, instability, transition. Tiger may be a good coach, but he's not proven at this level. Do you want to gamble your prime years on that?"
Džeko looks away, considering Pellegrini's words.
Pellegrini: "Look at City. We're building something here. Agüero gets injured—who steps up? You. Negredo goes through a bad patch—who do I turn to? You. I wouldn't be asking you to stay if I didn't believe in you, Edin."
Džeko: "They told me they'd make me their main striker."
Pellegrini: (leans back, shaking his head)"They tell you that now. But when they sign someone else next summer? When results don't go their way? United is a club in transition. We are a club fighting for titles—now."
Džeko exhales, rubbing his chin. Pellegrini watches him, then adds a final thought.
Pellegrini: "You were vital in 2012. You scored key goals for this club. If you stay, I promise you'll have your moments again. But if you leave… you'll always wonder if you walked away too soon."
Silence. Džeko taps his fingers on the chair's armrest, deep in thought. Finally, he looks up.
Džeko: "If I stay, I need a real chance."
Pellegrini (smiling slightly): "Then take it."
With the squad finalized, any remaining striker reinforcements were officially put on hold. The coaching staff had discussed the situation in depth and determined that, for now, the forward line had enough depth to handle the demands of the season.
Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez were all capable of leading the line, offering a mix of experience, goal-scoring instinct, and movement. Anthony Martial, though primarily a winger, could be deployed as a striker when needed, bringing pace and flair to the attack. Jesse Lingard and Shinji Kagawa were identified as attacking midfielder/second striker options, capable of playing just behind the main forward.
Tiger was satisfied—he had enough flexibility and firepower. Reinforcing the midfield had been the priority, and now, with a stronger core, the team could better support the attack.
For now, the focus was set on pre-season—the perfect chance to test combinations, fine-tune tactics, and build chemistry before the Premier League kicked off.
Summer Transaction Status
Transfers In
1. Marcos Alonso (Age = 23) - LB - Free Transfer - Five Year Contract
2. Dele Alli (Age = 16) - Midfielder - Free Transfer - Joined the Youth Team
3. Leroy Sane (Age = 17)- The Next No. 7 - 800,000 Euros
4. Joshua Kimmich (Age = 18) - Young German Defender - 1,000,000 Euros
5. Virgil van Dijk (Age = 22) - CB - 5,000,000 Euros
6. Marco Asensio (Age = 17) - Nimble Attacking Midfielder - 1,000,000 Euros
7. Eric Bailley (Age = 19) - CB - 2,500,000 Euros
8. N'Golo Kanté (Age = 22) - Defensive Midfielder - CDM - Free Transfer
9. Riyad Mahrez (Age = 22) - Replacing Ryan Giggs - LW - 500,000 Euros
10. Anthony Martial (Age = 18) - Forward - 6,000,000 Euros
11. Ousmane Dembele (Age = 16) - Forward - 1,000,000
12. Naby Keïta (Age = 18) - CDM - Free Transfer
13. Benjamin Mendy (Age = 18) - LB - 4,000,000 Euros
14. Wild Card Entry Wilfried Zaha - Forward - 15,000,000 Euros
15. Allison Becker (Age = 21) - GK - 2,000,000 Euros
16. Toby Alderweireld (Age = 23) - CB - 7,000,000 Euros
Total Amount Spent = 44.8 Million Euros
Transfers Out
1. Patrice Evra - To Juventus - 7,000,000 Euros
2. Jonny Evans - To West Bromwich Albion - 4,000,000 Euros
3. Alexander Buttner - To Netherlands - 2,000,000 Euros
4. Bebe - To Benfica - 3,000,000 Euros
Loan Deals
1. Tom Cleverley - to Everton
2. Adnan Januzaj - To Everton
3. Nick Powell - To Wigan Athletic
4. Fabio da Silva - To Aston Villa
Total Amount Gained = 16,000,000 Euros
Pending Transfer Budget = 21.2 Million Euros